Bylaws of
Malden / East Boston
Youth Hockey
2013
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Article I - Organization Name
The organization, a not for profit corporation organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 501(c)3 of the United States Tax Code shall be
known as Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey, Inc. (MEB) and may be comprised of any
amateur hockey club, skating team, clinic or class as may be necessary to attain the
objectives as stated in Article II below.
Article IA - Official Colors
The official colors of MEB will be Navy Blue and Gold or Gold and Navy Blue. The
Board of Directors may, from time to time, adopt team logos and team nicknames.
Article II - Objectives
Section 1
The objectives of this organization shall be to demonstrate to all children, parents, and
supporters of the organization the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, and respect for
authority. The players, coaches and parents shall keep in mind at all times that victory is
secondary to the personal development of future adults.
Section 2
This objective will be achieved by providing supervised competition and instruction in
Figure Skating and Ice Hockey. The directors, coaches, and instructors of this
organization shall bear in mind at all times that the safety of the children is of prime
importance,while adhering to all USA hockey rules and regulations.
Article III - Membership
Section 1 - Eligibility
Membership in this organization is open to any person sincerely interested in fulfilling
the objectives as defined in Article II of these By-Laws.
Section 2 - Function of Membership
Members are expected to attend all General Membership Meetings of Malden / East
Boston Youth Hockey and to carry out faithfully any obligations that they undertake in
connection with any particular Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey activity.
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The General Membership Shall:
A) Propose policy matters, rules, and regulations that would enhance the objectives
and purpose of this organization.
B) Propose any suggestions that would benefit the management of this organization.
C) Propose local rules for governing of the learn to skate, clinic or the house league.
Section 3 - Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors, by a majority vote of the Board at any constituted meeting, shall have
the authority to discipline or terminate any active member when the conduct of such
person is considered detrimental to the best interest of Malden / East Boston Youth
Hockey and League Membership.
Article IV - Board of Directors
Section 1 - General
The membership of MEB shall be governed by a President and Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors shall consist of a total of seven (7) members elected by the Head
Coaches and eligible members of the organization. Four (4) Board members will be
elected in seasons ending in even years and three (3) Board members will be elected in
seasons ending in odd years. Board members shall be elected to serve a two (2) year
term. The term of office shall commence on the 1st day of August following the election.
Section 1A - Voting
A) Head Coaches are eligible to nominate and elect members to the Board of
Directors. Head Coaches will elect one (1) member each year. Eligible Head
Coaches are defined as those that attend 50% of the Coaches meetings unless
excused by the Director of Coaches. Voting by proxy is not allowed.
B) General members that are eligible can nominate and elect members to the Board
of Directors. General members will elect two (2) members to the board of
directors in odd years and (3) members to the board of directors in even years.
Eligible voters are defined as members registered as attending three (3) out of five
(5) General Meetings and not more than 30 days late with payment of tuition or
other fees.
C) The Nominee(s) receiving the majority of the votes will be declared the winner(s)
and will serve a two (2) year term. The Board of Directors shall meet within thirty
(30) days after the election of the new Board members and elect from the Board,
an Executive Committee consisting of: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and
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Secretary. This shall be the order of succession in the event of any temporary
absence of an officer.
D) Nominees from the same household are prohibited from serving simultaneously
on the Board of Directors.
E) Individuals recognized by USA Hockey as student coaches, that are eligible may
cast ballots in the general membership elections. Eligible student coaches are
defined as members registered as attending three (3) out of five (5) General
Meetings and not more than 30 days late with payment of tuition or other fees.
Section 2 - Powers and Duties
A) The Board of Directors, except as otherwise herein provided, shall be vested with,
and shall exercise powers and authority of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey,
including the power to pledge, encumber, and mortgage assets of Malden / East
Boston Youth Hockey.
B) Each year the Board shall solicit applications for coaching positions for the
following year. These applications must be submitted to the Board by the end of
March. The Board will review the applications and conduct interviews. The
Board of Directors, by a majority of those present and voting, will select the
coaches for each team. Any member of the Board of Directors who is a candidate
for a head coaching position is precluded from participating in the selection of
said coach. Appointments will be made after tryouts. Any applicant not appointed
will be notified and given a hearing, if so requested, before public announcements
are made.
C) The coaches shall submit the name of their assistant coaches and team managers,
after teams have been chosen for approval by the Board.
D) The Board has the authority to remove from office any member of the Board of
Directors, any Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, or player by a 2/3 vote,
for violation of these By-Laws, league rules, USA Hockey, and Massachusetts
Hockey rules. The party involved may request a hearing in writing within seven
(7) days of notice of removal.
E) The Board shall also appoint all necessary officers and any positions which may
be required to fulfill the functions of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey.
F) The Board shall approve the leagues in which the teams participate as well as all
tournaments, overnight trips, and special or tournament teams.
G) The Board shall set the cost per player at all levels, including registrations,
practice ice, and league games.
H) The Board of Directors shall provide a financial report from the Treasurer which
shows all income and expenses of Malden East Boston Youth Hockey for the
previous season, including the current balance in all checking and investment
accounts.
Section 3 - Vacancies
If vacancies occur on the Board for any reason, the remaining Board of Directors will fill
the vacancy (ies) from the current membership. The fulfillment will be for the remaining
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term of the vacant position. The Board of Directors must inform the membership of
vacancy (ies) and applications will be accepted up until seven (7) days from the date of
posting of the vacancy (ies). The Board of Directors must vote on vacated position(s)
within seven (7) days after the applications are received.
Section 4 - Attendance at the Board of Directors Meetings
Members of the Board of Directors will attend each meeting of the Board. Any member
who misses three (3) consecutive Board Meetings without notifying the Secretary or any
Officer and not having a valid reason will be terminated from the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors can ask for the resignation of any Board member due to lack of
performance.
Section 5 - Quorum of the Board of Directors
The presence in person of a majority (4) of the members of the Board shall be necessary
to constitute a quorum of the Board in order to conduct the business of the Board.
Article V - Executive Committee
Section 1 - Duties
A) President: He or she shall be responsible for preserving the objectives of Malden
/ East Boston Youth Hockey. The President, as Chief Executive Officer of
Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey, shall supervise Malden / East Boston Youth
Hockey affairs and activities and shall make an annual report thereon to the
general membership and shall be Chairman of the Board of Directors. The
President shall preside over the meetings of the general membership and the
Board of Directors. The President or such other officers as he may designate in
writing, shall have the power to make and execute for and in the name of Malden
/ East Boston Youth Hockey, contracts which have received the prior approval of
the Board.
B) Vice President: In case of absence or disability of the President, and provided he
or she is authorized by the President or the Board to act, the Vice President shall
perform the duties of the President and when so acting, shall have the power of
that office. The Vice President shall also perform the duties of the Ice
Coordinator. The Vice-President shall be the designated representative to
District 10 of Massachusetts Hockey. The Vice-President or his/her designee
shall represent the Board of Directors at District 10 meetings.
C) Secretary - Clerk: The Secretary-Clerk shall be responsible for recording the
activities of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey and maintaining appropriate
file, mailing list, and necessary records. He/She shall perform such duties as are
herein specifically set forth, and all such other duties as are customarily incidental
to the office of Secretary-Clerk or as may be assigned to him/her by the Board of
Directors. He/She shall give notice of all meetings of Malden / East Boston Youth
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Hockey, Board of Directors, and Committees. He/She shall keep the minutes of
the meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee and cause them to be
recorded in a book kept for that purpose. He/She shall conduct all correspondence
not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be
responsible for carrying out all orders, votes, and resolutions not otherwise
committed. He/She shall notify Directors, Officers, and Committee Members of
their election or appointment. He/She shall take attendance and record voting at
all meetings.
D) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall perform such duties as are customarily incidental
to the office of Treasurer or as may be assigned to him/her by the Board. He/She
shall receive any and all moneys and deposit the same in a depository approved
by the Board. The term of the Treasurer will be extended to the month of July in
order to facilitate the financial management of Malden / East Boston Youth
Hockey and to assure completion of the required tax forms required of MEB, and
shall report in detail as directed by the Board on the financial conditions of
Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey. He/She shall provide at each General
Membership Meeting balance sheets for all those attending. The Treasurer shall
appoint a Purchasing Agent
Article VI - Special Assignments and Responsibilities
The Board of Directors will delegate special assignments and responsibilities to
individual Board Members.
A) Director of Clinic: The Clinic Director will coordinate the clinic and
instructional hockey program so as to insure an equal opportunity for each youth
within the program. The Clinic Directors duties include attending all practice
sessions as scheduled an assign a qualified individual in his/her absence.
B) Fundraising Director: It shall be the responsibility of the Fundraising Director to
organize and oversee all activities and events sponsored by the program with the
goal of generating revenue for MEB. All funds raised will be dedicated to
achieving the goals of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey.
C) Director of Coaches and Grievance:: It shall be the duty of the Coaching
Director to coordinate tryouts and player evaluations, to preside over regular
coaches meetings, inform coaches of any changes in league rules and develop and
enforce a Code of Conduct for all players, parents and members. Should the
Board of Directors receive a written grievance from a player, parent or coach, the
Grievance Director shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve the
same. In the event that the matter is not resolved, the Grievance Director will
chair a committee of three (3) members to serve Malden / East Boston Youth
Hockey grievance panel. The panel shall investigate the complaint by interview
and/or hearing and make recommendation to the Board for final disposition,
including any disciplinary action that may be warranted.
D) Appointed Coordinators: The Board of Directors may appoint Coordinators or
Committees as it may deem necessary. For illustrative purposes such committees
may include Banquet, Snack Bar, Purchasing, Sponsorship, newsletter; this list is
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not exclusive or exhaustive. Coordinators and/or Committee Chairperson will
submit monthly reports at scheduled Board of Directors meetings.
Article VII - Financial Policy
The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the financing of Malden /
East Boston Youth Hockey, and it shall be the permanent policy to place all income in a
common Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey treasury, directing the expenditure of same
in such a manner as will give no individual team an advantage over the others as to
equipment, ice facilities, or financial assessments.
Section 1 – Tuition
Tuition and payment due dates for participation shall be determined on an annual basis by
the Board of Directors. Any player who has an outstanding balance from the previous
season will not be allowed to participate in tryouts. The Board of Directors may review
any hardship request.
Section 2 - Bonding
Bonding of the Treasurer and President shall be designated by the Board of Directors.
The expense of said bond will be borne by Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey.
Section 3 – Purchasing
The Treasurer or the duly appointed Purchasing Committee or Agent shall obtain a
minimum of two (2) quotes on equipment and/or supplies that are more than $250.00. All
purchases in excess of $250.00 shall require prior approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 - Cash Accounts
The Treasurer shall manage all bank accounts. In the event of Treasurer absence, the
President will manage all bank accounts.
Section 5 - Ownership of Assets
This being a non-profit organization with no specific legal entity, the ownership of assets
rests with the current membership. In the event of a dissolution of the group or
suspension of its functions, disposition of all net assets shall be decided by a 2/3 vote of
the entire membership.
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Section 6 - Contributions
The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds from either private or public
sources or property to individual teams or groups, but shall solicit the same for the
common treasury of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey, thereby discouraging
favoritism and endeavoring to equalize the benefits of Malden / East Boston Youth
Hockey. In the event that an individual team qualifies for an official sanctioned State,
Regional or National Tournament, the Board, with approval by 75% of the Board of
Directors, may permit the solicitation in the name of MEB by the tournament bound
team. Funds raised will be recorded and disbursed through the Treasurer of MEB with
the balance after expenses being placed in the common treasury. The following shall be
defined as expenses:
A) State Championship Bound Teams - Funds raised shall be used for Tournament
fee only.
B) Regional and National Championship Teams - Funds raised shall be used for
Tournament fee, lodging, and transportation (other than private).
Section 7 - Fundraising
The Board of Directors will authorize two (2) fundraisers a year with incentives to lower
individual bills.
Section 8 - Injury or Illness
Any player under a physicians care and cannot participate in MEB activities for thirty
(30) days or more will be eligible for a pro-rated refund. Before a player returns to play,
he/she must have a medical clearance in the form of a letter from his/her treating
physician.
Section 9 - Fiscal Period
The fiscal period /administrative year shall be one (1) year beginning on August 1 and
ending on July 31.
Article VIII - Meetings
Section 1 – General Membership Meetings
General Membership Meetings of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey shall be held five
(5) times a season, September through May. The May meeting shall be designated the
Annual Business Meeting at which time elections to the Board of Directors for the
following administrative year will be held.
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Section 2 - Special Meetings
Special Meetings (Board or General Membership) may be called by the President at any
time or upon written request to the President by at least three (3) members of the Board
of Directors. The President shall call a special meeting to consider a specific subject. No
business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted.
Section 3 - Board of Directors Meetings
Board of Directors Meetings shall be held monthly between the months of August to
May. The Board of Directors shall meet once during the month of June and are not
required to meet during the month of July.
Section 4 – Parliamentary Procedure
All General Membership and Board of Director Meetings shall be conducted in
accordance with generally accepted parliamentary procedure. Roberts Rules of
Parliamentary Procedure shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable.
Article IX - Teams
Section 1 - Team Organization
Each team in Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey, Inc. shall have the following
organization positions:
A) Head Coach: The Head Coach is responsible for the team’s activities, staying
within the framework of the By-Laws of Malden / East Boston Youth Hockey as
determined by the Executive Committee. The Head Coach may not enter
additional leagues, Tournaments, or incur additional expense without the approval
of the Executive Committee.
B) Assistant Coach: The Assistant Coach shall work under the direction of the Head
Coach and fill in as the head of the team when the Head Coach cannot be present.
C) Team Manager/Fund Raising Liaison: The Team Manager will serve as the
liaison between the team and the Fundraising Director. He/she will also be
responsible for the administration of the team including keeping of ice and game
records, team registrations, schedules, and assisting in publicity functions for the
team.
D) Qualification: All Coaches (Head and Assistant) shall be approved by the Board
of Directors, who shall formulate standards of character and leadership for
coaches in accordance with the objectives of MEB and shall be guided by said
standards in the election of coaches. All coaches must have appropriate USA
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Hockey Certification before date set for their District Play-downs and no later
than December 1st.
E) Decorum: Coaches shall exhibit exemplary personal standard of behavior and
shall be guided by the objectives of MEB in their conduct and coaching
responsibilities. The Board of Directors shall have the power to remove a head
coach or assistant coach for cause, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of
Directors.
Section 2 - Team Rosters
A) Each team will consist of at least thirteen (13) players and one (1) goaltender
provided there are a sufficient number of players available. The player’s forms
provided by USA Hockey will be completed for each team. This form will be the
official roster for a team. Exceptions to the number of players are to be decided by
the Board of Directors. All teams shall follow USA Hockey regulations.
B) Any Coach needing to temporarily supplement his/her roster due to absence must
contact the Head Coach of the team that player(s) are rostered on before said
player(s) are allowed to play.
C) The Executive Committee must be notified and must approve, before a player
from a lower level team who, when skating for a higher level team, approaches
the number of games which would cause a permanent roster change.
D) Team rosters must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to its submission
to the District. There will be no change in team rosters after the roster has been
submitted to the District without the approval of the Board of Directors.
Article X - Player Eligibility
Section 1 - Player Guidelines
Any player who owes money to MEB or is under suspension may be ruled ineligible and
/or suspended by the Board of Directors.
Section 2
Any child residing in Malden or East Boston may register for participation into the MEB
program at the age requirement set forth by the Board of Directors.
Section 3
All applications are to be reviewed by the Board of Directors, and the Board can rule
applicants ineligible under the guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors.
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Section 4
Any child who resides outside Malden or East Boston and applies for participation in the
MEB program must secure the proper releases from their home program and from USA
Hockey.
Section 5
A) Any child who registers must attend tryouts at their age specific level and must
skate at their age specific level, unless they apply for a hearing and receive
approval to change their age specific level by the Board of Directors and USA
Hockey (if necessary). The approval will only be considered for medical or safety
concerns. The Board may ask skaters to “play up a level” if it determines that it is
in the best interest of the program and the Board believes that the skater may play
at that level without any increase in risk of harm.
B) Any child who registers, tries out, and is assigned to a team may participate at the
same time on a select and or club team program provided there is no interference
with Malden games, tournaments, or practices. Disciplinary action will be taken
by the Board if the skater chooses a select game over a Malden / East Boston
event.
Section 6
A) Tryouts: Tryouts will be held in the Spring for the following season’s teams.
Tryouts will consist of two (2) sessions per level. Total ratings will be based on
both sessions. Independent graders will be used when it is financially feasible.
B) Attendance: Players not attending without a justifiable reason will receive a score
of zero. A player may be excused from a tryout with prior permission from the
Board of Directors. The player request must be made to the Board in writing
prior to the tryouts. Any excused player will receive a pro-rated score based on
their session attended. Request will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and
only be granted for extraordinary circumstances.
C) Team Selections: Grades will be tabulated and placed on a list in order. For a
team with 13 skaters or more, the first ten (10) players on the list will be placed
on the “A” Team. The remainder of the team will be selected by the coach, with
approval by the Board of Directors. Selection will be from players listed eleven
(11) through roster size plus two (2). For teams with rosters of 12 skaters, the
first nine (9) players will be placed on the “A” Team. The remainder of the team
will be selected by the coach, with approval by the Board of Directors. Selection
will be from players listed ten (10) through roster size plus two (2). For teams
with rosters of 11 skaters, the first eight (8) players will be placed on the “A”
Team. The remainder of the team will be selected by the coach, with approval by
the Board of Directors. Selection will be from players listed nine (9) through
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roster size plus two (2). For teams with rosters of 10 or 11 skaters, the first seven
(7) players will be placed on the “A” Team. The remainder of the team will be
selected by the coach, with approval by the Board of Directors. Selection will be
from players listed eight (8) through roster size plus two (2). Goaltenders shall be
chosen as follows. The top rated goaltender shall be placed on the A Team. If the
Coach wishes to carry a second goaltender, selection will be from goaltenders
listed two (2) and three (3) with approval from the Board of Directors.
Final tryout results, without names, will be posted at the Annual Business
Meeting. No Player is permanently assigned to a team until two (2) weeks before
the end of parity. During parity the Head Coach will be allowed to try-out any
players on the next lower level. The Head Coach may move three players prior to
the submission of the final roster to the District. Any roster change made by the
Head Coach must be approved by the Board of Directors.
Article XI – Amendments to By-Laws
These By-Laws or any section thereof may be amended or repealed by a 2/3 vote of the
Board of Directors at any duly constituted meeting.
Any member of the Board of Directors will receive notice of said meeting at least
fourteen (14) days prior stating its purpose and the nature of the proposed changes.
Any member of MEBYH may receive a copy of the By-Laws upon written request.
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